FERGUSON, Mo. — Shots were fired during a funeral service at the Cotton-Branch Mortuary on North Florissant Road on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026, injuring several people and prompting a multi-agency emergency response.
The Ferguson Police Department received a call at approximately 11:58 a.m. Wednesday, reporting gunfire at the funeral home, which was hosting a service attended by hundreds. Officers arrived within two minutes to find chaos as attendees scattered in all directions.
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Police said two victims suffered non-life-threatening injuries from flying glass, one person was injured in the parking lot after being struck by a vehicle attempting to leave the area, and at least four others sustained non-life-threatening gunshot wounds. All injured individuals were transported to area hospitals for treatment.
The Ferguson Police Department immediately requested assistance for officers in need of aid, and multiple jurisdictions responded. Emergency Medical Services and the Ferguson Fire Department began triaging and treating the injured, while police secured the scene and began interviewing witnesses.
The Ferguson Police Department said authorities continue to maintain a presence at the funeral home as the investigation remains active.
Traffic lanes in the area have since reopened, but officials urged motorists to avoid North Florissant Road near Hereford due to emergency personnel staging in front of Schnucks Plaza.
No further details have been released at this time. The Ferguson Police Department said updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
